SUPPLY OF FLOUR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 November 1924, Page 5

SUPPLY OF FLOUR.

COUNSELS’ ADDRESSES

(BY TELEGRAPH —-PRESS ASSOCIATION. ™ , DUNEDIN, Nov. 7. The tenth day of the flour milliner ease promises to be the last. At the conclusion of Mr. Skenitt’s address Messns. Solomon and Myers will address the court, Mr. Adams replying for the Crown. Mr. Skerretfc continuing his address, stated that it was no part of the Distributors’ scheme to remove the right to choose the brands of flour, but there were periods when it was impossible to supply the brands ordered when these were rationed. Generally speaking there were difficulties in 1923 which disappeared in 1924. Dunedin and Invercargill bakers obstinately refused to give orders in time to allow allocations to be made. By ordering after the 25th of the month these bakers were able to obtain a month’s credit. The difficulties arose mainly through accidental temporary defects, after which the flours complained about all regained their high position on the market.

Mr, Solomon, adressing the court, quoted judgments in support of the argument that the raising of the prices was not necessarily pernicious if an important industry was thereby preserved in the interests of the public. He contended that the contract was reasonably necessary for the protecting of the millers and the milling trade. He submitted that the scheme originated with the concurrence, and even at the suggestion, of the bakers, and started even with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Government. The Distributors had made possible an equal distribution of flour. Tlie inconveniences caused were accidental and* not incidental to the scheme. The formation of Distributors overcame a grave menace to the flour and wheatgrowing industries, and had conferred a national advantage.